The Save America’s Pastime Act

Minor league baseball is a huge part of Major league baseball, and there are a large amount of fans that love to either attend or at least know what is happening at the lower levels. It brought in an estimated 4.5 million fans last year alone. Well now there is a lawsuit that threatens to cost the leagues so much that many parks would be shut down and many teams would be abandoned. It would also leave a lot of minor league players, staffers, employees, security and more out of a job.

According to a press release by Minor League Baseball, Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) have introduced the Save Americas Pastime Act (H.R. 5580) and it has the full support of Minor League Baseball. The legislation would amend the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to clarify that Minor League Baseball players are not subject to a law that was intended to protect workers in traditional hourly-rate jobs.

“Minor League Baseball would like to thank Congressman Guthrie and Congresswoman Bustos for their leadership on this
issue facing Minor League Baseball and for gathering bipartisan Congressional support,” said Minor League Baseball
President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “For over 115 years, Minor League Baseball has been a staple of American communities,
large and small, and with the help of Congressman Guthrie, Congresswoman Bustos and other members of Congress, it will
remain so for years to come.”
“Should the California litigation be successful, teams like the Louisville Bats, Bowling Green Hot Rods and Lexington
Legends may well disappear, along with a source of wholesome entertainment for Kentucky families, and an economic-
generator for those cities,” said Louisville Bats President Gary Ulmer. “With the introduction of the Save America’s Pastime
Act, Congressman Guthrie again demonstrates his commitment to protecting our communities and commonwealth.”
“Baseball has been a big part of Congresswoman Bustos’ life, so she understands the importance – both the economic and
emotional impact – of Minor League Baseball to the small and mid-sized communities that make up America’s heartland,”
said Quad Cities River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “Minor League Baseball is fortunate to have a passionate and effective
champion in Congress in Congresswoman Bustos.”
“We are very appreciative of the support shown by Congresswoman Bustos for the Minor League Baseball clubs not only in
her district, but across the country,” added Peoria Chiefs President Rocky Vonachen.

Most of the time I frown of Congress getting involved in sports, but her I believe they are right, and I think Minor League Baseball is doing the right thing in supporting it.